Published:March 30, 2012 13:14

Big Brother’s Brian Belo to sue The Only Way Is Essex makers

It has been reported that former Big Brother favourite Brian Belo is attempting to sue ITV and Lime Pictures for stealing his idea for the show The Only Way Is Essex. Brian is attempting to get the show taken off the air and is also seeking £4m if he is successful in his legal actions.

Brian came up with a concept for a TV show, which was titled Totally Essex, and even had a pilot for the show made. Totally Essex shows Brian along with The Only Way Is Essex stars Amy Childs, Mark Wright, Kirk Norcross and Sam Faiers but the show was not taken on.

However, Brian Belo claims to be in possession of a number of texts and emails, including a contract, which Lime Pictures sent him, asking him to give up the rights to the show for £2,500, which Brian rejected. Lime Pictures still went ahead and made The Only Way is Essex and now Brian is claiming compensation.

A statement from ITV and Lime Pictures states, "The Only Way Is Essex is an original concept created and developed by an award-winning team at Lime Pictures. Brian Belo's claim against Lime and ITV is totally without foundation and will be vigorously defended. The creative team at Lime Pictures is very proud of TOWIE, and the notion that it was not entirely their own work is a serious allegation which is completely refuted."

Check out the pilot for Totally Essex below and let us know what you think.